On Saturday, October 8, 2011, Alice Lloyd College inducted three former athletes into its Athletic Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place on the college campus at the Grady Nutt Athletic Center as part of the annual Appalachia Day Homecoming activities.

This year’s inductees were Jack Calhoun of Carter County; Nicole Colegrove-Ritchie, formerly of Mingo County, West Virginia, who now lives in Knott County; and Gary D. Stepp, formerly of Martin County, who currently resides in Knott County.

Jack Calhoun

Jack Calhoun

Carter County native Jack Calhoun attended Alice Lloyd from 1988-1992 and was a four–year member of the Eagles baseball squad. He was known as an excellent all–around player who excelled as a defensive shortstop. During his career, Calhoun was a four–year starter who played in all but 16 innings. Over that time, he won numerous awards. He won the Gold Glove award in 1990, was voted team MVP in 1991 and again in 1992, was named to the all–conference team in 1992, and earned the Golden Bat award that same year. Calhoun’s coaches considered him one of the fiercest competitors to ever wear the Eagles pinstripes.

Currently, Calhoun is employed by the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice where he serves his community as the supervisor of the Boyd County Juvenile Detention Center. He is also entering his 17th season as assistant basketball coach at East Carter High School where he had previously served as assistant baseball coach for ten years. His plaque was presented by current ALC President, Mr. Joe Alan Stepp, and his former coach and current Dean of Students, Mr. Scott Cornett. Jack was accompanied on court by his wife, Nikki. He is the son of the late Jack and Levona Calhoun whom he thanked for their love and support throughout his life.

Nicole Colegrove-Ritchie

Nicole Colgrove-Ritchie

Mingo County native Nicole Colegrove-Ritchie attended Alice Lloyd from 1993-1997. She was a four–year starter for the Lady Eagles basketball squad and was known for her athleticism and scoring ability. During her playing days, she received numerous honors. In 1995 she earned the Coach’s Award, was voted all–TVAC Conference in 1996, and received the best defensive player award in 1997. She was a member of the Academic All–Conference squad three times and had the honor of being selected as the Outstanding Education Student at Alice Lloyd in 1997. Colegrove-Ritchie is considered one of the finest all–around players to ever play for the Lady Eagles.

Currently, she is employed by the Knott County Board of Education where she serves her community as a teacher at Hindman Elementary School. Her plaque was presented by ALC President Joe Stepp, her former coach Mr. John Mills, and the Dean of Students at Alice Lloyd, Mr. Scott Cornett. She was accompanied on the court by her husband and ALC graduate, Mr. Stacy Ritchie, and by her two sons, Lukas and Garrett. Also in attendance were her parents, Danie and Drema Colegrove, and her brother, DJ Colegrove.

Gary D. Stepp

Gary Stepp

Gary D. Stepp attended Alice Lloyd from 1982-1987. He was known for his hustle, playmaking ability, and defensive prowess. He was a four–year member of the Eagles basketball team, a three–year starter, and twice named team captain. He became the first player in school history to record over 300 assists for his career and still ranks among the school’s all–time leaders in that category. He was also the first player in school history to win the Outstanding Defensive Player Award three times and is still one of only three players to achieve this feat. As a senior, he helped lead the Eagles to their first winning record in school history and ranked among the conference leaders in assists and free throw percentage. Stepp is considered one of the finest all-around point guards to wear an Eagles uniform.

After graduating, Stepp went into teaching and coaching. He joined the Martin County school system where he taught for 14 years. He also served as assistant basketball coach for the ALC Eagles from 1988-1996. During those nine years, the team averaged almost 23 wins per season and earned four consecutive trips to the NAIA National Tournament. In 2002 he returned to Pippa Passes full–time to become a teacher and Head Boys Basketball Coach at June Buchanan High School. He had a very successful six year run as coach of the Crusaders. In 2006 he led the Crusaders to their first district championship in school history. The very next year he guided the squad to a runner-up finish in the AAU State Basketball Tournament, and the Crusaders compiled a 26-7 record, winning their first ever 14th Regional Championship and earning a berth in the Kentucky High School State Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena. Also that season, he finished 3rd in the statewide voting for AP Coach of the Year. He guided JBS to back–to–back WYMT Classic Championships in 2007-2008, and his 2008 Crusaders team advanced to the Final Four of the AAU State Basketball Tournament and were ranked 8th in the state.

Currently, Stepp is employed by Caney Creek Community Center where he serves his community as Director of Athletics at Alice Lloyd College. His plaque was presented by his former coach and current ALC President, Mr. Joe Alan Stepp, and Dean of Students, Mr. Scott Cornett. He was accompanied on the court by his wife Lisa and daughter Elisabeth. Also in attendance at the induction ceremony were his brothers, Jim Stepp and Ervin Stepp, and his mother. Stepp is the son of the late Joe Stepp of Warfield and Irma D. (Derderian) Stepp, formerly of Kermit, West Virginia.